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What is the word for a word that eventually becomes offensive?

What is the word used for a word that at one period in time was considered normal but is now offensive?

For instance the word 'Crippled' was once a term for someone who is 'Handicapped'. The word 'Retardation' is now considered offensive but was once widely used. I know there is a term for this but I can't remember what it is.

1 Answer

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  • 9 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    Could be a "slang" use of a word in today's society.

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